Greek Green Peas Stew: Comforting & Delicious!

Okay, get ready, flavor adventurers! Because I’m about to unleash a recipe that’s been a total obsession in my kitchen lately. I’m talking about Greek Green Peas Stew – or as they say in Greece, Arakas Laderos. This isn’t your grandma’s mushy peas – we’re talking a vibrant, savory stew packed with fresh herbs, bright lemon, and the kind of comforting deliciousness that’ll make you want to lick your bowl clean.

The first time I tasted a truly mind-blowing Greek Green Peas Stew was at a tiny taverna on a Greek island (I wish I could remember exactly WHERE). One bite, and I was hooked. What surprised me most was how such simple ingredients could come together to create a flavor explosion that was both light and deeply satisfying. The freshness of the dill, the tang of the lemon, the sweetness of the peas – it was pure magic!

This Greek Green Peas Stew is totally my jam – it is a dish that represents everything I love about Cuba Queen’s bold flavor philosophy. It is simple, fresh ingredients, but the flavor profile is complex and layered in a way that is truly beautiful. It is not your typical, canned-pea mush – this dish is vibrant, healthy, and bursting with Mediterranean goodness. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!

I’ve been playing around with this recipe for a while now, and I’m finally ready to share my version with you. It’s packed with my personal touches and techniques that will make your Greek Green Peas Stew sing. Get ready to transform your kitchen into a Mediterranean paradise!

The Symphony of Ingredients: What You’ll Need

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 teaspoon tomato paste – this Greek Green Peas Stew tip adds depth and richness that you will love!
  • 1 pound frozen peas (or fresh, if you’re feeling fancy)
  • 2 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • 1 cup vegetable broth (or water)
  • 1/2 cup chopped fresh dill
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • Salt and pepper to taste
A vibrant display of the raw ingredients for Greek Green Peas Stew: olive oil, fresh vegetables, herbs, and spices.

The secret to an epic Greek Green Peas Stew is using good quality olive oil. It really makes a difference in the final flavor. Splurge on this one Greek Green Peas Stew ingredient – trust me! You’ll find the best ingredients for this Greek Green Peas Stew at your local farmers market, if you’re lucky enough to have one nearby. Otherwise, a good grocery store will do!

You know, this Greek Green Peas Stew ingredient list is SHORT but mighty! Don’t let it fool you – each ingredient plays a crucial role in building a symphony of flavor. Here’s the Greek Green Peas Stew game-changer that will blow your mind: a touch of tomato paste. It deepens the savory notes and adds a subtle sweetness that balances the lemon beautifully. This also makes it a Arakas Laderos that will impress anyone.

Pro tip: You can use dried dill and parsley if you don’t have fresh, but the fresh herbs really make this dish sing. And if you’re looking for a budget-friendly alternative, canned diced tomatoes will work in a pinch, but crushed tomatoes create a smoother, richer sauce. I always like to store any unused dill or parsley wrapped in a damp paper towel in the fridge – it stays fresh for days!

Step-by-Step to Mediterranean Bliss

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Don’t rush this step – we want the onions to be nice and sweet.
  2. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic – nobody wants bitter Greek Green Peas Stew! This is where your Greek Green Peas Stew transforms into pure magic.
  3. Stir in the crushed tomatoes and tomato paste. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. This helps the tomato paste caramelize and deepen the flavor. This Greek Pea Recipe has layers, people, layers.
  4. Add the frozen peas, cubed potatoes, and vegetable broth (or water). Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender. Pro tip for Greek Green Peas Stew perfection: don’t overcook the peas! We want them to be bright green and slightly firm, not mushy.
  5. Stir in the chopped fresh dill, parsley, and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Don’t be shy with the lemon juice – it really brightens up the dish and balances the richness of the tomatoes.
  6. Simmer for another 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. This step is crucial for a truly harmonious Greek Green Peas Stew. In my kitchen, this Greek Green Peas Stew takes exactly 5 minutes to reach peak flavor after adding the herbs and lemon. This is your chance to taste and adjust the seasoning. Does it need more salt? A touch more lemon? Trust your taste buds!
  7. Remove from heat and let stand for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to fully develop. While your Greek Green Peas Stew is working its magic, grab your camera – this is Instagram gold!

Here’s where most people mess up their Greek Green Peas Stew – they don’t season it properly. Salt and pepper are your friends! And don’t be afraid to add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick. Your Greek Green Peas Stew should look vibrant and colorful, smell fragrant and herbaceous, and taste bright, savory, and utterly delicious. Don’t stress – your Greek Green Peas Stew is going to be incredible!

Serving Suggestions and Creative Twists

Serve this Greek Green Peas Stew hot, garnished with a sprig of fresh dill and a drizzle of olive oil. People absolutely lose their minds when I serve this Greek Green Peas Stew at dinner parties! A crusty bread is also a must for soaking up all that delicious sauce. For a complete Mediterranean meal, pair this with a simple Greek salad and some grilled chicken or fish.

This Greek Green Peas Stew absolutely slays at dinner parties! The bright flavors and vibrant colors make it a real crowd-pleaser. Plus, it’s vegetarian, so it’s perfect for accommodating different dietary needs. And for an Instagram-worthy plating technique, try swirling a spoonful of Greek yogurt on top for a creamy, tangy contrast. You can even add a sprinkle of feta cheese for extra flavor and texture.

Got leftovers? Don’t worry, this Greek Green Peas Stew is even better the next day! The flavors have had time to meld together even more. You can also transform it into a delicious soup by adding more vegetable broth and blending it until smooth. And for a seasonal variation, try adding some artichoke hearts or zucchini in the summer, or some roasted butternut squash in the fall. If you want to enjoy a similar flavor profile, check out this Black Bean Butternut Squash Stew and get inspired.

This Mediterranean Green Peas stew absolutely deserves a spot in your recipe rotation. It’s quick, easy, healthy, and packed with flavor. What more could you ask for?

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Can I make this Greek Green Peas Stew spicier? Absolutely! Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the pot while cooking the onions and garlic, or a swirl of hot sauce to each bowl when serving. I’ve even added a finely chopped jalapeño for an extra kick.
  • What if I don’t have fresh dill or parsley? Dried dill and parsley will work in a pinch, but use about half the amount, as dried herbs are more potent. I prefer fresh, but dried is a great option when that is what you have.
  • Can I use canned peas instead of frozen? I don’t recommend it. Canned peas tend to be mushy and lack the sweetness of frozen or fresh peas. However, if you’re in a bind, rinse them well before adding them to the pot.
  • How do I know when my Greek Green Peas Stew is perfectly done? The potatoes should be tender and the peas should be bright green and slightly firm. The sauce should be slightly thickened and the flavors should be well melded. Trust your instincts – if it looks and smells delicious, it probably is!
  • Can I make this ahead of time? Yes! This Greek Green Peas Stew is even better the next day. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Is this recipe vegan? Yes, this recipe is naturally vegan. Just be sure to use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
  • What kind of potatoes should I use? I prefer Yukon Gold potatoes for their creamy texture, but any kind of potato will work. Red potatoes, russet potatoes, even sweet potatoes would be a delicious twist.

One thing to note, I’ve gotten feedback from my community that this Greek Green Peas Stew is a great way to introduce kids to new flavors. The sweetness of the peas and the mildness of the potatoes make it a very approachable dish.

I also want to touch upon how much I love this Traditional Greek Peas, because it is such a versatile dish. You can easily customize it to your liking. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different herbs, spices, and vegetables. You might just discover your new favorite Greek Green Peas Stew variation!

Conclusion: Embrace the Flavors of the Mediterranean

This Greek Green Peas Stew represents everything Cuba Queen stands for: bold flavors, simple ingredients, and recipes that are easy to make and a joy to eat. This is a dish that you can feel good about serving to your family and friends. It’s healthy, delicious, and packed with nutrients.

My Greek Green Peas Stew Power Tips:

  • Don’t skimp on the olive oil: It adds a richness and depth of flavor that you can’t get from other oils.
  • Use fresh herbs: They make a HUGE difference in the final flavor.
  • Season generously: Salt, pepper, and lemon juice are your friends!
A comforting bowl of Greek Green Peas Stew, garnished with fresh dill and a drizzle of olive oil.

I’ve created so many variations of this Greek Green Peas Stew and loved them all! This Greek Green Peas Stew reminds me of another flavor explosion, Maple Roasted Carrots with Chickpeas. You should definitely try that next! Some other ideas are adding feta cheese and mint for a refreshing twist, or with a dollop of Greek yogurt and a sprinkle of paprika for a smoky flavor. My feta and mint version gets the biggest reactions!

I am so confident that you can nail this recipe! If this recipe rocks your world, you NEED to try this Greek Peas Stew with Potatoes (Arakas Latheros) – Skinny Spatula, it might change everything! If you really want to get cooking, learn about Arakas Laderos: Greek Peas & Potato Stew – Dimitras Dishes

I encourage you to make this Greek Green Peas Stew your signature dish. Experiment with different variations, share it with your loved ones, and create some delicious memories. You got this! And don’t forget to share your results with me – I can’t wait to see what you create! For more bold flavor adventures, check out Greek Style Peas-Arakas Latheros. Let’s get cooking!

 

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Greek Green Peas Stew

Bowl of Greek Green Peas Stew

This Greek Green Peas Stew, or Arakas, is a comforting and flavorful vegan dish simmered in a tomato-herb broth. Perfect as a light meal or side, it’s a delicious taste of the Mediterranean.

  • Author: Quinn
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Skillet
  • Cuisine: Greek

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 cup vegetable broth
  • 1 lb frozen green peas
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh dill
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
  2. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more, until fragrant.
  3. Stir in diced tomatoes and vegetable broth. Bring to a simmer.
  4. Add frozen green peas, dill, and parsley. Season with salt and pepper.
  5. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until peas are tender.
  6. Stir in lemon juice before serving.

Notes

Serve warm with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of fresh dill, or with crusty bread for dipping in the delicious broth.

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